Customer Reviews

Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, Vol. 4

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Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis. Volume 4
Portsmouth Cathedral Choir / Adrian Lucas with David Thorne (org). Priory © PRCD527 (79 minutes: DDD: 2/96). Texts included. Recorded 1995.

Brewer Evening Service in E flat major. Andrews Evening Service in G major. Howells Evening Service in E major. Evening Service in B minor. Lassus Magnificat quarto toni. Victoria Nunc dimittis. Stanford Evening Service in C major. Op. 115. Weelkes Evening Service for Trebles - Magnificat; Nunc dimittis. Darke Evening Service in F major. R. Shephard Salisbury Service. Bairstow Evening Service in D major.

One good thing after another; it almost surprises that a succession of Mags and Nuncs can be so varied, satisfying and enjoyable. The programmes in this excellent series allow for a fair variety of styles and centuries, but in this instance a particularly generous share of the credit must go to the performances. Forthright and invigorating, they give rise to a distinct suspicion that the whole business may be a pleasure: that the choristers have some rhythm in their bones and at certain points might even have a' smile on their faces. It is there right from the start, with Brewer in E flat (and how undeservedly stodgy that can sound in performance) bright with energy and encouraging a conviction that there genuinely is something in which to rejoice. This extends to Lassus, Victoria and Weelkes, where, instead of the more usual formal reading of notes, there is a common effort of understanding and imagination, lifting the notes off the page and sometimes, with a little judicious semi-staccato, setting them a-dance. Nor is there any lack of sensitive shading or of repose in the right places - a fine feeling for mood in the lovely and little-known B minor setting of Howells, for example.

A splendid recital, with a fine choice of repertoire, and consistently admirable playing by the organist, David Thome.